What is the primary difference between the T2 and other sE microphones?

The T2 uses a titanium-sputtered capsule instead of the traditional gold-sputtered version. This creates a stiffer diaphragm that reacts faster to transients, providing a more detailed response on percussive sounds.

What is the frequency response of the sE Electronics T2?

The microphone features a wide frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz. This allows it to capture the deep low end of kick drums as well as the high-frequency harmonics of vocals and pianos.

Is the T2 suitable for live performances?

Yes, it is designed with a reinforced spring steel wire mesh grille and a die-cast all-metal housing. These features provide the durability required for live sound environments while maintaining studio-quality audio.

Does the T2 sound very bright or harsh?

No, the T2 is specifically designed to have an incredibly natural high-frequency response. It is engineered to avoid excessive brightness, ensuring that recordings do not sound brittle.

What instruments is this microphone best for?

It is highly recommended for kick drums, pianos, and guitar amplifiers. It is also an excellent choice for pop vocalists who need a clear, nuanced sound.

How does the T2 handle EQ?

Because the low and mid frequencies are very balanced, the T2 responds very well to EQ. Engineers find it easy to shape the sound because the microphone does not have intrusive frequency peaks.

What type of capsule does the T2 use?

The T2 features a hand-crafted, titanium-sputtered dual-diaphragm capsule. This dual-diaphragm design allows for multiple polar patterns and high-precision sound capture.

What is the housing of the T2 made of?

The microphone features a brand new all-metal die-cast housing. This provides both weight for stability and high durability for professional use.

How does it compare to a Shure SM58?

The T2 is a large-diaphragm condenser, whereas the SM58 is a dynamic microphone. The T2 offers much higher sensitivity and a wider frequency range, making it more detailed but less specialized for handheld stage use.

Can the T2 be used on a kick drum?

Yes, it is specifically noted as an ideal choice for kick drums. Its titanium diaphragm is capable of capturing the fast pressure changes and transients of a drum strike.

What is the typical price for the sE Electronics T2?

The typical price range for the sE Electronics T2 is approximately £399. This places it in the mid-range of professional condenser microphones.

Is the grille of the T2 fragile?

No, the T2 uses a reinforced spring steel wire mesh grille. This design is intended to provide ultimate durability for the internal capsule, even in demanding recording or live settings.

Gear article

sE Electronics T2 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics T2 is a professional large-diaphragm condenser microphone distinguished by its hand-crafted, titanium-sputtered dual-diaphragm capsule. Designed for high-transient accuracy and natural high-frequency response, it is a versatile tool for both studio and live sound environments.

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Background and Design

The sE Electronics T2 represents a specialized iteration of the brand's large-diaphragm condenser technology. While many condensers utilize gold-sputtered diaphragms, the T2 employs a titanium-sputtered capsule. This design choice is intended to provide a faster transient response, making it particularly adept at capturing percussive sounds and instruments with sharp attacks.

The build quality focuses on professional durability, featuring a brand new die-cast all-metal housing. The sensitive internal components are protected by a reinforced spring steel wire mesh grille, ensuring the microphone can withstand the rigours of both studio sessions and live stage use.

Technical Features

The T2 is built around a wide frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, designed to capture the full spectrum of an audio source. Its dual-diaphragm architecture allows for greater flexibility in polar patterns compared to single-diaphragm units.

Key features include: * Titanium-Sputtered Capsule: Offers a more rigid surface than gold, aiding in the reproduction of fast transients. * Natural High-Frequency Response: The microphone is tuned to avoid excessive brightness, ensuring performances remain smooth and realistic. * Robust Chassis: The reinforced steel mesh and metal body provide electromagnetic shielding and physical protection.

Sonic Character

The sonic signature of the sE Electronics T2 is characterized by its balance. Unlike many modern condensers that emphasize high-mid frequencies to create a sense of 'air,' the T2 maintains an incredibly natural high-frequency response. This prevents the signal from sounding overly sibilant or harsh.

Its low and mid-frequency reproduction is engineered to be neutral and balanced. This transparency makes the T2 highly responsive to equalization, allowing engineers to shape the tone significantly without the microphone's inherent character interfering with the processing.

Applications

Due to its fast transient handling and balanced frequency response, the T2 is marketed as a multi-purpose workhorse. It is specifically recommended for: * Percussion and Kick Drums: Where the titanium diaphragm accurately tracks the initial 'thwack' of the beater. * Piano and Acoustic Instruments: Capturing the complex harmonics of the strings without adding artificial coloration. * Vocalists: Particularly pop vocalists who require a detailed but non-fatiguing sound. * Amplifiers: Its durable design and high SPL handling make it suitable for miking loud guitar cabs.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard dynamic microphones often found in live and studio settings, the T2 offers a wider frequency range and superior detail. While dynamic models like the Shure SM58, SM57, or Sennheiser e945 are valued for their ruggedness and specific mid-range punch, the T2 provides the high-fidelity nuances typically reserved for condenser microphones.

Against broadcast standards like the Electro-Voice RE20 or the Sennheiser MD 441-U, the T2 offers a different transient flavour due to its titanium construction. While the Sennheiser e935 and Shure Beta 58A are tailored specifically for handheld vocal use, the T2 is better suited for stand-mounted applications where capturing full-bandwidth instrument detail is the priority.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between the T2 and other sE microphones?: The T2 uses a titanium-sputtered capsule instead of the traditional gold-sputtered version. This creates a stiffer diaphragm that reacts faster to transients, providing a more detailed response on percussive sounds.
What is the frequency response of the sE Electronics T2?: The microphone features a wide frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz. This allows it to capture the deep low end of kick drums as well as the high-frequency harmonics of vocals and pianos.
Is the T2 suitable for live performances?: Yes, it is designed with a reinforced spring steel wire mesh grille and a die-cast all-metal housing. These features provide the durability required for live sound environments while maintaining studio-quality audio.
Does the T2 sound very bright or harsh?: No, the T2 is specifically designed to have an incredibly natural high-frequency response. It is engineered to avoid excessive brightness, ensuring that recordings do not sound brittle.
What instruments is this microphone best for?: It is highly recommended for kick drums, pianos, and guitar amplifiers. It is also an excellent choice for pop vocalists who need a clear, nuanced sound.
How does the T2 handle EQ?: Because the low and mid frequencies are very balanced, the T2 responds very well to EQ. Engineers find it easy to shape the sound because the microphone does not have intrusive frequency peaks.
What type of capsule does the T2 use?: The T2 features a hand-crafted, titanium-sputtered dual-diaphragm capsule. This dual-diaphragm design allows for multiple polar patterns and high-precision sound capture.
What is the housing of the T2 made of?: The microphone features a brand new all-metal die-cast housing. This provides both weight for stability and high durability for professional use.
How does it compare to a Shure SM58?: The T2 is a large-diaphragm condenser, whereas the SM58 is a dynamic microphone. The T2 offers much higher sensitivity and a wider frequency range, making it more detailed but less specialized for handheld stage use.
Can the T2 be used on a kick drum?: Yes, it is specifically noted as an ideal choice for kick drums. Its titanium diaphragm is capable of capturing the fast pressure changes and transients of a drum strike.
What is the typical price for the sE Electronics T2?: The typical price range for the sE Electronics T2 is approximately £399. This places it in the mid-range of professional condenser microphones.
Is the grille of the T2 fragile?: No, the T2 uses a reinforced spring steel wire mesh grille. This design is intended to provide ultimate durability for the internal capsule, even in demanding recording or live settings.